The war council has ended, the plot is set in motion, but now comes life as king in the palace as coronation day nears. Things are never as you imagined them.
During the next month many plans were made and carried out. More scouts than usual were sent to Shanaar with instructions to find out the defensive state of the island. Llarand and Dalonír returned to Elaria, promising to stir up as much support for the invasion of Shanaar as was possible. On their way, Llarand had word sent from the coast that the fleet of ships from Shanaar had been completely destroyed by the Erenár. Only a small band of guards had been left behind and they were quickly subdued by the elves. This was taken as great news by Felanar for it meant a crippling of the enemy fleet.
Gram sent word to his people in Khrea via two of the Argan scouts. As many warriors as could be spared were to journey to Argan as quickly as they could. Gram, along with his two sons, spent the month at the palace in meetings with Felanar and Ravesfel.
Anarth was the picture of cooperation. Felanar assigned the old regent to show him around the palace and the city, familiarizing himself with the reality of things he had only been taught verbally. Anarth never showed jealousy or bitterness, and Felanar soon became comfortable in his presence.
While the armies were slowly gathering in Argan, preparations were made for the coronation ceremony. The people would once again see a crown worn upon the head of a king. Felanar had wanted to postpone it. In discussions with Ravesfel and Kara, he felt it best to wait until after the invasion of Shanaar was complete, and his kingship secure. Both Ravesfel and Kara disagreed, however, saying that he was king already and deserved to be seen as king fully. Besides, the people wanted this show and it would help raise their morale even more to have a day of festival.
Thus one bright late-winter day, the people of Tranith Argan gathered eagerly in the large open square directly under the palace walls. Messengers from the palace had been announcing all week throughout the city that this was the day when the king would receive his throne officially. The people of Tranith Argan were filled with joy at the prospect of seeing this happen at last. The square was packed long before the noon ceremony was to begin.
The usual booths and stalls that lined the open square were supplemented with many other makeshift tables and stands. Food was sold, along with a steady business in drink, and trinkets and banners for the children. Spontaneous singing of tavern songs broke out from time to time as the morning wore on, only to be shouted down by other songs. The people were in a very good mood and the whole square became one joyous festival long before the actual ceremony began.
Not only were the people of Tranith Argan present, but also representatives of Delendor as well as Irular Istan. The duke of Irular Istan was in attendance inside the palace, but many people of the duchy stood among the crowd. People from Tranith Toar and Tranith Heron had made the long journey as well. Gram, too, was in the palace, and he and his sons represented the dwarves. Llarand, Heléste, Dalonír, Alessa and the three elf lords represented the Findára, all having arrived just the previous day, bringing Findáran knights for the upcoming invasion. The Erenár did not send any official representatives, but among the crowd was Narón and a few of his ship’s crew. When this was heard at the palace, a representative was sent to find them among the crowd and to insist on their joining the dignitaries inside the palace. After much persuasion, Narón agreed.
• • •
“Felanar,” said Ravesfel, “may I present to you Sevis and Frona, the duke and duchess of Irular Istan.”
A group of dignitaries were meeting in the throne room. Before Felanar stood the middle-aged man and women being introduced by Ravesfel. They wore royal purple garments of silk and finery for the occasion. He had grey-black hair swept up away from his face, a bulbous nose, and deep-set eyes. She appeared to be somewhat younger, with less grey in her brown hair. She had blue eyes that she used to look down at those around her, evidently having had much practice at this. But she politely curtseyed toward Felanar, balancing her heft as she shifted her feet.
Irular Istan, being the only city of note in the bare land of Talenar, served as a strategic location for the kingdom of Argan. A traveler making his way from Tranith Toar along the Royal Highway south around the Bay of Talenar and across the vast Plain of Talenar could count on receiving aid and shelter in Irular Istan. It also served as the security force for the entire Brown Mountain region.
During the reign of Kal-Dalonur, the Strong, almost a millennium-and-a-half in the past, Irular Istan was established to supplement the four Tranith cities. The name was elven, and meant ‘peaceful gateway’, named during a time when elves and men were closer. It served as a gateway of peace to all who traveled with good motives.
During the height of the Tranith kings, princes of the realm were sent to rule Irular Istan, and thus it became a duchy of Argan. Dukes in reality ruled there, sometimes becoming king of Argan at the death of the old king. Dukes in name only reigned there now, for no royal family had existed for over a thousand years. But Argan clung to what remnants of past glory they had, and the regent appointed a new duke as needed, using the title even if it no longer quite fit. It was still a vital location for the realm, and if that is what it took to keep some local ruler happy there, well he could be called whatever was needed.
This particular duke and duchess were uninspiring but dependable, if not very imaginative. The Royal Highway wasn’t quite as safe as in days gone by, but a traveler could still depend on safe haven in their city, and the regent asked for little more these days. It was Felanar’s plan to one day address the situation at Irular Istan and to establish real dukes, with real princes, once again.
“It is an honor to meet you, sire,” said Sevis, the duke, as he bowed low next to his wife. He was fat also, and his official garments were a bit tight. His face was somewhat red and puffy, and he breathed heavily as he straightened. The overall picture was of a man quietly choking, but in a modest, out-of-the-way manner.
“It is my honor to meet the duke and duchess of Irular Istan,” said Felanar kindly. “You are to be thanked for your good service to the realm. I am quite happy to see you on this happy occasion.”
“Oh, my lord, you do us great honor, yes you do,” said the duchess Frona, as she thought about curtsying again, and then thought better of it. “My, it is grand to see the palace again, for our little home is nothing in comparison. I’ve said to Sevis many a time that we should visit Argan more often. So many people to see and things to do, I say.”
“The way is long, my dear, and arduous,” complained Sevis in response.
“Yes, yes, it is long,” she returned, “but oh how lovely it is to see such fine people here.”
Felanar sighed inwardly and wondered how many more potentates he had yet to greet. Ravesfel had been ushering in a steady stream of important visitors all morning, and he was having difficulty keeping them straight. The only truly interesting visitors he met were the other two guardians from Tranith Heron and Tranith Toar in Khrea. He didn’t know why he hadn’t thought of their existence before, since he knew that each of the four Tranith cities had their own guardian. Still, he was genuinely surprised when Ravesfel introduced his counterparts, Milon of Tranith Toar and Joreth of Tranith Heron.
They looked surprisingly like Ravesfel, with the same old, yet ageless, look to their face. For a fleeting moment, he wondered what Vélakk looked like, since he too was a guardian. Had been, he corrected himself and his mind left the Evil One. These other two guardians were quite friendly and dignified, though reserved. They took a keen interest in Felanar, however, and asked him a number of questions about his life and background. They seemed greatly interested despite having been privately informed of all this the previous day by Ravesfel.
“Felanar,” said Ravesfel again, “may I present to you the mayors of Delendor, Joar and Rascanan.”
Felanar suppressed another sigh and nodded agreeably toward the three men placed before the throne.
• • •
Kara stayed with Felanar, meeting all the dignitaries for a good part of the morning, but soon grew as weary of it as Felanar. Most of the dignitaries seemed less interested in her, so she quickly grew bored and eventually excused herself and went to find Narón. She heard he had been found among the crowded throng in the open square, and it had been she who had insisted that he be brought into the palace. Now she searched for him, going from room to room.
She found him and two of his crew standing alone in one of the great halls. He was peering closely at one of the paintings hung on the wall and looked up as he heard Kara’s footsteps. His face, which had had an uneasy look, now brightened at the sight of her.
“Narón!” cried Kara. “What are you doing all by yourselves here in this hall? Why are you not in the throne room with the other dignitaries?”
Narón smiled and said quietly, “Greetings to thee, Kara. It is good to see thy face again. Thou art the first welcome sight I have seen.”
Kara realized that for an elf used to living on the open seas, master of his ship, to be thrust into the world of men, and in a stuffy environment such as the palace must seem very strange.
“I know this must be uncomfortable for you, Narón, and for your Erenár crew,” she said. “But I wanted you with us today, not out in the crowd. You are important to us, for we owe our lives to you.”
“Thou art kind, Kara, and I welcome being among you and Felanar. Excuse our shyness, please.”
“Of course. I’m just so glad to see you again. What a day this is! I wondered if I ever would see this day when we were chasing after my brother. Now that it’s here, I wish I could hide in some musty old room with you. There are visitors from every eastern land, and Elaria too. I don’t mind the elves, but the people are self-important and boring. It almost makes me wish to be out on the sea, and away from these endless introductions!”
Narón laughed heartily at this, as did his two Erenár crew. “A princess you may be, even if thy new lifestyle is not to thy liking. Yet honorary Erenár we would make you, if we could,” he said. “In fact, thy skills are almost as good as Erenár.”
“No, you do the Erenár an injustice to say that, for my skills are nothing compared to yours,” she said, blushing. “Elves always seem to have yet more hidden skills to unveil when the time is right.”
“Not as most Men speak is thy speech,” said one of the other Erenár. “With disrespect or indifference is the speech of men toward us. We have learned to go different ways and avoid each other’s company. History has taught us this, and we art saddened by this change. Yet thou would almost make us think better of Men, Kara, for thou treat us with respect and dignity. Thou speaks with as much honor now as when thee needed our help, yet thou requires nothing of us at this time. This says much about thee.”
Kara blushed again as Narón said, “Yes, Kara, he is correct. Thy heart is true and upright, for you need nothing of us now, and yet you honor us with thy mouth.”
“Tell me, Narón,” said Kara, “what do your people think of the upcoming plan we undertake?”
“For Shanaar?” asked Narón, and when Kara nodded he continued. “Llarand spoke of such a thing, and it seems to us that thy forces will need ships, many and swift. Have you enough without involving Erenár?”
Kara shook her head. “I think not, Narón. Or at least not if we wish to be most efficient. There is a large force gathering at the gates of the city. Men and dwarves swarm up the mountain to join us. We could use the aid, and Llarand said it might even be possible that some of the Erenár would help. Is that so?”
Looking at Kara’s expectant eyes, it gave joy to Narón to be able to say that some Erenár ships would join in the cause.
“Including yours?” she asked.
“Including mine,” he said, and then it was his turn to blush.
“Come!” said Kara, as she grabbed Narón’s hand. “Let me show you the palace. It’s full of boring things of men, but it will be my home from now on and I want you to see it.”
• • •
“Have you time for one more visitor?” asked Ravesfel. The throne room was empty now, except for himself and Felanar. Felanar sat slumped on the throne, not so much physically tired as mentally exhausted from having met so many important persons. The thought of yet another introduction was tedious to him, but he did think of one possibility that would make it different.
“My parents?”
“Alas, no, they have not yet arrived in the city,” said Ravesfel. “They are close, or so our scouts told me last night, so they may yet arrive before the ceremony. But no, this visitor is not from Brindledown. Still, it may one you would enjoy. Here, let me bring the visitor in.”
He walked toward the door as Felanar sighed. His sigh turned to delight, however, when the door swung open and there stood Alessa.
“Call for me if I am required,” said Ravesfel as he stepped outside the room and began to close the door. “I think there is no one else you need to greet until the ceremony begins. I will be back when it is time.”
Alessa walked toward the throne, taking in the sight of the vast ceiling as she moved along. She was dressed in an elegant outfit of gossamer green, which flowed as she walked. Her long brown hair was tied up above her shoulder, with tresses hanging down on either side of her face. A ring of flowers crowned her head. Evidently this is how an elven princess dresses for special occasions, Felanar thought admiringly as she approached.
“Alessa! It’s so wonderful to see you again!”
She smiled and made a teasing curtsy.
“My liege!” she said gravely and then burst out laughing, her voice echoing pleasantly through the large, open room.
Felanar laughed also. It really was good to see Alessa again, he thought. His mind had often drifted toward her during the past month. He had been disappointed that she wasn’t able to join in the battle, and he remembered how crushed she had been.
“Isn’t this amazing? I’m sitting on a throne, Alessa. Me! A little Brindledown fisherman.”
“And why shouldn’t you, fisherman? For you are actually king and kings sit on thrones. It suits you, I would say, for you only appear uncomfortable on the surface. I see in your eyes a confidence that did not exist before. You are coming into your own now, Felanar.
“We must talk about the battle,” she then said with excitement, rubbing her hands together. “Dalonír told me a little, but he was on the other side of the city. From what I heard, you were in the thick of things and carried out your duties with skill.”
“It was a feeling I’ve not experienced before, Alessa. Full of intensity and emotion. It was confusing, disorganized and bloody. Still, your people fought with great distinction and skill, and I have great feelings of gratitude toward the elves. However, I have learned something about myself in the process: I do not like killing. Yet it seems I am required to do so much of it.”
“A king is required to do much that is not to his liking, I think,” she replied. “You seemed so bored when I first entered the room. Evidently a king’s duties are not all as exciting as defending a city from invaders, even if they are less bloody.”
“Oh, Alessa, I almost wish it had been bloody! I’ve spent the morning meeting one important person after another. Each one is thrilled to meet me and to explain how important their particular function is to the ongoing security and prosperity of the kingdom. It would have at least been more interesting to see how important their sword skills are!” He laughed at the incongruity of this thought even as he said it.
“A fine way to begin a reign,” Alessa laughed back, “slaughtering your subjects to avoid being bored by their introductions. Truly a novel approach to take as king, Felanar. You would go down in history with an appropriate name. Shall we say, Felanar the Mad?”
Felanar smiled. “It has a unique sound. Ah well, if swordplay is my desire, I’ll soon have enough to satisfy my every want. Have you heard? Even now, plans are being made for our invasion of Shanaar.”
“I have heard this from father,” she said. “Aren is going to join you, along with hundreds of Knights of the Order. Dalonír has chosen not to go, and I will not be allowed to go. I do not understand why I can never be allowed to fight.” She sighed.
“Here we have the lives reversed,” he chuckled. “You wish to lead men into battle, and I already grow weary of killing. You are born to be a princess of your people, and I have been plucked for the part at the last minute. Still, as I said last time, I’m sorry not to have you by my side, Alessa. Seeing your battle skills would be a sight worthy of my attention, even if the results might not prove to your liking. Would you like me to speak with Llarand about this matter?”
“Would you?” she said brightly. “I want so much to do something in this great conflict of ours.”
“I will speak with him, then. But why do you speak of ‘our’ conflict? Llarand makes clear that this is the conflict of men, not elves. It wasn’t even certain we would have the aid of Findára.”
“That is because my people have lost the love of adventure we once had,” Alessa said with disgust. “What Findáran in ages past would not have wanted to thrust forward against evil? Throughout all the lands we would venture, subduing all that was wrong and helping good flourish. Not afraid of anything were we then. But now – now it seems that all we want to do is tend our plantings and live quiet, peaceful lives away from all others.”
“Llarand has said that the Evil One is a threat to them as well,” Felanar said quietly. “That is why we do have some aid from your people.”
“This is the key point, Felanar. The Evil One is against freedom everywhere. He may not have strength enough to overcome Elaria, but he can destroy all the lands surrounding us if we do not do something!”
“Our scouts say that his forces grow weaker, and dispirited.”
“Nay, your scouts must be wrong,” she said firmly, “for his plots continue unabated. We hear news from the west that alliances are being made. I think his hand has not yet grown short. This is why you need all the aid you can get, Felanar, and why I so much want to join your forces.”
“I will speak to your father, do not worry,” he said soothingly.
Alessa’s face brightened now and she said with a smile, “Show me your new home, Felanar. There must be many benefits to being a king of men. Please show me how luxurious a life you will now lead, former resident of Brindledown who talked of being a fisherman.”